Knockin' em Outta the Park!

That's right folks! It's my second post of the day!! :)

Today, after realizing just how much there is to do this summer (including a garage sale that I am preparing for this weekend), I attempted to step out of my comfort zone and make a TimeToast presentation.

I like TimeToast because of the fact that it is an interactive timeline. I can see the benefit of using this timeline during class and especially having students use it! I created my presentation as if I would be presenting it to the kids, however, it would be great to have them create a timeline after researching some event (Social Studies) or to trace a timeline of events in a novel or other piece of literature (Language Arts). I keep getting hung up on the fact the students will need to constantly create new accounts, etc. but ultimately, I see alot of value in this activity.

My timeline is something that, with some more editing, could be used to discuss Minnesota's impact on the American Civil War. I found that the timeline creator was very easy to use, and the word limit on each event description helped me keep it brief (I bet you are wishing their was a word limit on my blog)!!! Anyway, I also liked that you could link your brief description with an outside resource (I linked to videos and other websites). Adding pictures to the timeline is of course a great way to keep people engaged but it would involve teaching students to save pictures to their computer and then upload them into the presentation.

My TimeToast Presentation

Okay so here it goes, my pros and cons for TimeToast:

Pros:
 - Easy to Use
 - Short and Sweet (nothing too confusing)
 - Logical presentation of ideas
 - Quick and painless!
 - Student Use would make the most sense! 

Cons:
 - No "bells and whistles"
 - Not alot of room for creativity and personalization
 - Some pre-teaching and account creating
 - Not for whole-class presentations


That's all folks!! I am headed home to finish pricing clothes and setting up my FIRST EVER garage sale!! If you are looking for something to do this weekend, feel free to stop by!

Friday and Saturday from 8-5
8444 Yates Ave N, Brooklyn Park MN

Enjoy your week!

Stacey